[SomeStupidPoint]

> if kalanick committed a crime, it is the state that pursues this in court

That's actually not how it works -- there can be both civil and criminal proceedings for a case, and very often criminal proceedings follow a complaint by a victim. The criminal proceedings deals with punishments related to breaking the law; the civil proceedings deal with damages caused to people (or businesses) by the crimes.

Also, indemnification has nothing to do with prosecution versus civil suit -- it's an agreement to pay the damages and fines related to the person's actions.

> suggesting private entities pursue criminals and "fight crime", perhaps as some form of vigilantism

They absolutely should!

By filing complaints and suing for damages that result from the actions of criminals -- which is what the fund is doing here.

A criminal may still be liable for damages via civil suit even if there's a lack of prosecution or an acquittal. People can (and should!) make use of the courts to pursue criminals.